A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials of laughter and humour interventions on depression, anxiety and sleep quality in adults

Abstract

Aim To quantify the effect of laughter and humour interventions on depression, anxiety, and sleep quality in adults. Design A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials. Data Sources PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Weipu, and Wanfang Data were searched from their inception up to December 2018. Review methods The reporting of this meta‐analytical review was conducted according to the guidelines of the Cochrane Collaboration. Two reviewers selected the studies, extracted the data, and evaluated the risk of bias (Cochrane Collaboration bias assessment tool) of the included papers independently. Results Ten studies comprising 814 participants were included. Meta‐analysis showed that these interventions significantly decreased adults' depression, anxiety, and improved their sleep quality. The results of subgroup analysis showed that depression benefits more from long‐term laughter intervention. Conclusions This meta‐analysis revealed that laughter and humour interventions are effective in relieving depression, anxiety, and improve sleep quality in adults. More studies with high quality and follow‐up assessment should be conducted for future research. Impact This review synthesized current evidence using laughter and humour interventions to reduce negative emotion and promote better results in adults, especially with respect to target the applicability between different populations or intervention methods. In addition, humour and laughter interventions are safe, convenient, interesting and can promote interpersonal relationship in both patients and medical workers, which have great feasibility and potential to be used as an aspect of psychotherapy for clinical and nursing to improve well‐beings in adults.

Effect of laughter yoga on mental symptoms and salivary cortisol levels in first‐year nursing students: A randomized controlled trial

“…Similarly, there are studies reporting that laughter yoga significantly reduced individuals' anxiety and depression levels (Kim et al, 2015; Yazdani et al, 2014; Yu & Kim, 2009). Zhao et al's (2019) meta‐analysis study stated that laughter yoga significantly reduced depression and anxiety. The results of most of the above studies have shown that laughter yoga provides a significant reduction in anxiety and depression levels, which is supportive of the results obtained in our study.…”

Effect of humour intervention programme on depression, anxiety, subjective well‐being, cognitive function and sleep quality in Chinese nursing home residents

“…In terms of the impact of humour, it contributes to psychosocial and physical health in older adults. Some studies (Ganz, & Jacobs, 2014; Low et al, 2014; Houston et al, 1998; Zhao et al, 2019) have shown that it can effectively relieve negative emotions, such as anxiety and depression in older adults. Physiologically, humour may relieve stress by decreasing physical tension (Fry & Salameh, 1987).…”

Benefits of laughter-inducing and humor nursing interventions in people undergoing hemodialysis

“…Through the implementation of a laughter program, the author found an improvement in depressive symptoms. According to Zhao et al (2019), laughter and humor interventions are effective in reliving depression, anxiety and improving sleep quality in adults. Laughter simulated program improves the quality of social interaction, physical limitations, symptoms of CKD (decreased appetite, pain and shortness of breath), and has positive effects on mental health.…”